Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a method for digital displaying
images of various colors and appearances of an article and the use
thereof. The invention is particularly directed to a method for
displaying one or more images to select one or more matching formulas to
match color and appearance of an article. The invention is even further
directed to a method for displaying one or more images to select one or
more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating
of a vehicle.

Claims:

1. A method for displaying one or more images to select one or more
matching formulas to match color and appearance of an article, said
method comprising the steps of:(a) retrieving one or more preliminary
matching formulas from a database, said database comprising interrelated
repair formulas, color characteristics, and optionally appearance
characteristics;(b) generating individual matching images based on the
color characteristics, and optionally the appearance characteristics,
interrelated to each of the preliminary matching formulas; and(c)
displaying the individual matching images on a display device.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of:(d) selecting the
one or more matching formulas from the one or more preliminary matching
formulas by comparing the individual matching images with the color and
appearance of the article.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: obtaining color
data, and optionally, appearance data of the article; generating a target
image of the article based on the color data, and optionally the
appearance data; displaying the target image on the display device; and
selecting the one or more matching formulas from the one or more
preliminary matching formulas by comparing the individual matching images
with the target image.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said color data are obtained by
measuring the target coating with a calorimeter, a spectrophotometer, or
a goniospectrophotometer.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the appearance data are obtained by a
process comprising the steps of:i) obtaining one or more appearance
images of the article; andii) generating said appearance data from the
appearance images.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image and the target image is
displayed as a realistic target image.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein each of the individual matching images
and the target image are displayed as a simulated blending image.

10. A method for displaying one or more images to select one or more
matching formulas to match color and appearance of an article, said
method comprising the steps of:(a) obtaining identification information
of the article;(b) retrieving one or more preliminary matching formulas
from a database that match the identification information, said database
comprising interrelated repair formulas, identification information of
articles, color characteristics, and optionally appearance
characteristics;(c) generating individual matching images based on the
color characteristics, and optionally the appearance characteristics,
interrelated to each of the preliminary matching formulas; and(d)
displaying the individual matching images on a display device.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of:(e) selecting
the one or more matching formulas from the one or more preliminary
matching formulas by comparing the individual matching images with the
color and appearance of the article.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image.

13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: obtaining
color data, and optionally, appearance data of the article; generating a
target image of the article based on the color data, the appearance
characteristics stored in the database that interrelate to the
identification information, and optionally the appearance data;
displaying the target image on the display device; and selecting the one
or more matching formulas from the one or more preliminary matching
formulas by comparing the individual matching images with the target
image.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said color data are obtained by
measuring the target coating with a calorimeter, a spectrophotometer, or
a goniospectrophotometer.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the appearance data are obtained by a
process comprising the steps of:i) obtaining one or more appearance
images of the article; andii) generating said appearance data from the
appearance images.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image and the target image is
displayed as a realistic target image.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the individual matching images
and the target image are displayed as a simulated blending image.

20. A repaired article repaired with a repair composition prepared
according to the matching formula selected by the method of the claim 1
or 10.

21. A method for displaying one or more coating images to select one or
more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating
of an article, said method comprising the steps of:(a) retrieving one or
more preliminary matching formulas from a database, said database
comprising interrelated repair formulas, color characteristics, and
optionally appearance characteristics;(b) generating individual matching
images based on the color characteristics, and optionally the appearance
characteristics interrelated to each of the preliminary matching
formulas;(c) displaying the individual matching images on a display
device.

22. The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of:(d) selecting
the one or more matching formulas from the one or more preliminary
matching formulas by comparing the individual matching image with the
target coating.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image.

24. The method of claim 21 further comprising the steps of: obtaining
color data, and optionally, appearance data of the target coating;
generating a target image of the article based on the color data, and
optionally the appearance data; displaying the target image on the
display device; and selecting the one or more matching formulas from the
one or more preliminary matching formulas by comparing the individual
matching image with the target image.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said color data are obtained by
measuring the target coating with a calorimeter, a spectrophotometer, or
a goniospectrophotometer.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the appearance data are obtained by a
process comprising the steps of:i) obtaining one or more appearance
images of the target coating; andii) generating said appearance data from
the appearance images.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image and the target image is
displayed as a realistic target image.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the individual matching images
and the target image are displayed as a blending image.

30. A method for displaying one or more coating images to select one or
more matching formulas to match color and appearance of a target coating
of an article, said method comprising the steps of:(a) obtaining
identification information of the article;(b) retrieving one or more
preliminary matching formulas from a database that match the
identification information, said database comprising interrelated repair
formulas, identification information of articles, color characteristics,
and optionally appearance characteristics;(c) generating individual
matching images based on the color characteristics, and optionally the
appearance characteristics, interrelated to each of the preliminary
matching formulas; and(d) displaying the individual matching images on a
display device.

31. The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of:(e) selecting
the matching formulas-from the preliminary matching formulas by comparing
the individual matching images and the target coating.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image.

33. The method of claim 30 further comprising the steps of: obtaining
color data, and optionally, appearance data of the target coating;
generating a target image of the target coating based on the color data,
the appearance characteristics stored in the database that interrelate to
the identification information, and optionally the appearance data;
displaying the target image on the display device.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said color data are obtained by
measuring the target coating with a colorimeter, a spectrophotometer, or
a goniospectrophotometer.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the appearance data are obtained by a
process comprising the steps of:i) obtaining one or more appearance
images of the target coating; andii) generating said appearance data from
the appearance images.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein each of the individual matching images
is displayed as a realistic matching image and the target image is
displayed as a realistic target image.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein each of the individual matching images
and the target image are displayed as a simulated blending image.

Description:

[0002]The present invention is directed to a method for digital displaying
images of various colors and appearances of an article and the use
thereof. The invention is particularly directed to a method for
displaying images to select one or more matching formulas to match color
and appearance of an article. The invention is even further directed to a
method for displaying images to select one or more matching formulas to
match color and appearance of a target coating of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003]Surface coatings such as monocoat, clearcoat/colorcoat, and tricoat
are favored for the protection and decoration of substrates such as
vehicle bodies. The surface coatings can utilize one or more pigments or
effect pigments to impart the desired color or appearance, such as solid,
metallic, pearlescent effect, gloss, or distinctness of image, to the
vehicle bodies. Metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes are commonly
used to produce coatings having flake appearances such as texture,
sparkle, glint and glitter as well as the enhancement of depth perception
in the coatings imparted by the flakes.

[0004]Repair of such coatings that have been damaged, e.g., in a collision
or stone chipping or scratches, has been difficult in that a vehicle
repair body shop or a refinisher may have to go to great lengths to
repeatedly try out and to locate a best aftermarket refinish coating
composition that matches the color and appearance of the vehicle's
original coating, also known as original equipment manufacturing (OEM)
coating. While each coating composition used in a vehicle's original
coating is manufactured to a given color standard, so that, in theory,
all vehicles painted with a given coating composition should appear the
same color and appearance, due to a host of different variables, such as
changing atmospheric conditions and use of different application
techniques, the appearance of a given coating composition may actually
vary from plant to plant and over different times of any year.
Consequently, vehicles manufactured at one plant may appear a different
color than vehicles painted with the same coating composition at another
plant. A number of refinish matching coating compositions must therefore
be developed for each OEM coating composition. Presently there is no
quick, easy and inexpensive way to determine which aftermarket matching
refinish coating composition is the best match in color and appearance
for a particular OEM coating.

[0005]Various color matching techniques have been developed in the past to
aid the selection of the correct matching coating composition to refinish
a vehicle, but all suffer from certain significant limitations. For
instance, visual tools such as refinish color chips have been used on
many occasions to find a suitable match for the vehicle that needs
refinishing. However, visual color matching is time-consuming, cumbersome
and subject to many errors as a result of poor lighting conditions,
operator variances, or variation to the original standard by the paint
manufacturer. Another method involves the use of vehicle data, such as
its make, model year and manufacturer's paint code. The paint code is
used to identify all the different aftermarket refinish matching coating
compositions and corresponding coating formulas created for that paint
code. Additional information further defining the matching coatings
resulted from the matching coating compositions is associated to each
formula which helps the refinisher define which is the best match for the
vehicle of that make and model year in question. Such information is
gathered from a number of sources and resides in either electronic or
printed formats. Accessing such a bank of information is very
time-consuming and does not always lead to the correct coating match.

[0006]A further method commonly employed involves the use of a computer
controlled colorimeter or spectrophotometer which measures the color
values of an undamaged area of the coating on the vehicle and compares
these color values stored in a database that contains color data for
various refinish matching coatings and corresponding matching formulas.
From that comparison, the computer locates one or more preliminary
matching formulas for the vehicle's original coating color and appearance
within an acceptable tolerance. An example of such method was disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 7,145,656. Said method, however, requires measured color
values and cannot identify matching formulas based on vehicle
identification information.

[0007]An even further development is to use both the measured color values
and vehicle identifying information to locate potential preliminary
matching formulas from a refinish matching coating database. One example
of such method was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,977. In such method,
sample coatings resulting from each of the preliminary matching formulas
are prepared and test sprayed. Color match is then visually determined.
In most cases, the preliminary matching formulas need to be adjusted
manually and repeatedly by trial and error until a match is achieved.

[0008]Thus, a continuing need still exists for a method to select one or
more matching formulas to match color and appearance of an article, and
particularly, to match the coating of a vehicle that needs refinish, with
minimum requirement for repeated testing, manual adjustment and trial.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0009]This invention is directed to a method for displaying one or more
images to select one or more matching formulas to match color and
appearance of an article, said method comprising the steps of:
[0010](a) retrieving one or more preliminary matching formulas from a
database, said database comprising interrelated repair formulas, color
characteristics, and optionally appearance characteristics; [0011](b)
generating individual matching images based on the color characteristics,
and optionally the appearance characteristics, interrelated to each of
the preliminary matching formulas; and [0012](c) displaying the
individual matching images on a display device.

[0013]This invention is also directed to a method for displaying one or
more images to select one or more matching formulas to match color and
appearance of an article, said method comprising the steps of:
[0014](a) obtaining identification information of the article; [0015](b)
retrieving one or more preliminary matching formulas from a database that
match the identification information, said database comprising
interrelated repair formulas, identification information of articles,
color characteristics, and optionally appearance characteristics;
[0016](c) generating individual matching images based on the color
characteristics, and optionally the appearance characteristics,
interrelated to each of the preliminary matching formulas; and [0017](d)
displaying the individual matching images on a display device.

[0018]This invention further directed to a method for displaying one or
more coating images to select one or more matching formulas to match
color and appearance of a target coating of an article, said method
comprising the steps of: [0019](a) retrieving one or more preliminary
matching formulas from a database, said database comprising interrelated
repair formulas, color characteristics, and optionally appearance
characteristics; [0020](b) generating individual matching images based on
the color characteristics, and optionally the appearance characteristics
interrelated to each of the preliminary matching formulas; [0021](c)
displaying the individual matching images on a display device.

[0022]This invention is even further directed to a method for displaying
one or more coating images to select one or more matching formulas to
match color and appearance of a target coating of an article, said method
comprising the steps of: [0023](a) obtaining identification information
of the article; [0024](b) retrieving one or more preliminary matching
formulas from a database that match the identification information, said
database comprising interrelated repair formulas, identification
information of articles, color characteristics, and optionally appearance
characteristics; [0025](c) generating individual matching images based on
the color characteristics, and optionally the appearance characteristics,
interrelated to each of the preliminary matching formulas; and [0026](d)
displaying the individual matching images on a display device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

[0027]FIG. 1 shows representative flow charts of the method of this
invention. (A) Selection of matching formulas based on vehicle
identification information. (B) Selection of matching formulas with the
target image. (C) Selection of matching formulas without the
identification information.

[0028]FIG. 2 shows schematic representations of digital color display. (A)
Images of a target color and a matching color are shown side by side, but
not immediately adjacent to each other. (B) Images of a target color and
a matching color are shown immediately adjacent to each other.

[0029]FIG. 3 shows representations of digital display of color and flake
appearance of coatings. (A) Images of a target coating and a matching
coating are shown side by side, but not immediately adjacent to each
other. Images represent colors and flake appearances of the coatings in a
curved view. (B) Images of a target coating and a matching coating are
shown immediately adjacent to each other.

[0030]FIG. 4 shows representations of digital display of blending colors
and appearances of a target coating and a matching coating. (A) Images of
a target coating and a matching coating are shown immediately adjacent to
each other. Images represent colors and flake appearances of the coatings
in a curved view. (B) Images of a target coating and a matching coating
are shown to have about 30% area blending into each other.

[0032]FIG. 6 shows representative display arrangements. (A) Schematic
presentation of images of a target coating and one or more matching
coatings displayed close to each other. (B) Schematic presentation of
images displayed immediately adjacent to each other so that one image can
have common boarders with two or more other images. (C) Schematic
presentation of images displayed immediately adjacent to each other so
that one image can have common boarders with three or more other images.
(D) Schematic presentation of images displayed immediately adjacent to
each other so that one image can blend into three or more other images.
(E) Schematic presentation of images displayed immediately adjacent to
each other so that one image can have common boarders with a plurality of
other images. (F) Schematic presentation of images displayed immediately
adjacent to each other so that one image can blend into a plurality of
other images. (G) Schematic presentation of images displayed on top of
each other. (H) Schematic presentation of images displayed on top of each
other and blended.

[0033]FIG. 7 shows representations of digital display of a target coating
and a matching coating in different forma and at different viewing
angles. (A) Images displayed in curved view. (B) Images displayed at a
near aspecular angle. (C) Images displayed at a mid aspecular angle. (D)
Images displayed at a far aspecular angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034]The features and advantages of the present invention will be more
readily understood, by those of ordinary skill in the art, from reading
the following detailed description. It is to be appreciated that certain
features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described above and
below in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in
combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the
invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single
embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any sub-combination. In
addition, references in the singular may also include the plural (for
example, "a" and "an" may refer to one, or one or more) unless the
context specifically states otherwise.

[0035]The use of numerical values in the various ranges specified in this
application, unless expressly indicated otherwise, are stated as
approximations as though the minimum and maximum values within the stated
ranges were both proceeded by the word "about." In this manner, slight
variations above and below the stated ranges can be used to achieve
substantially the same results as values within the ranges. Also, the
disclosure of these ranges is intended as a continuous range including
every value between the minimum and maximum values.

[0036]As used herein:

[0037]The term "pigment" or "pigments" used herein refers to a colorant or
colorants that produce color or colors. A pigment can be from natural and
synthetic sources and made of organic or inorganic constituents. A
pigment also includes metallic particles or flakes with specific or mixed
shapes and dimensions. A pigment is usually not soluble in a coating
composition.

[0038]The term "effect pigment" or "effect pigments" refers to pigments
that produce special effects in a coating. Examples of effect pigments
include, but not limited to, light scattering pigments, light
interference pigments, and light reflecting pigments. Flakes, such as
metallic flakes, for example aluminum flakes, are examples of such effect
pigments.

[0039]Gonioapparent flakes refer to flakes which change color or
appearance, or a combination thereof, with change in illumination angle
or viewing angle. Metallic flakes, such as aluminum flakes are examples
of gonioapparent flakes.

[0040]The term "dye" means a colorant or colorants that produce color or
colors. Dye is usually soluble in a coating composition.

[0041]Appearance" used herein refers to (1) the aspect of visual
experience by which a coating is viewed or recognized; and (2) perception
in which the spectral and geometric aspects of a coating is integrated
with its illuminating and viewing environment. In general, appearance
includes texture, sparkle, or other visual effects of a coating,
especially when viewed from varying viewing angles and/or with varying
illumination angles.

[0042]The term "database" refers to a collection of related information
that can be searched and retrieved. The database can be a searchable
electronic numerical, alphanumerical or textual document; a searchable
PDF document; a Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet; a Microsoft Access®
database (both supplied by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.); an
Oracle® database (supplied by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores,
Calif.); or a Linux database, each registered under their respective
trademarks. The database can be a set of electronic documents,
photographs, images, diagrams, or drawings, residing in a computer
readable storage media that can be searched and retrieved. A database can
be a single database or a set of related databases or a group of
unrelated databases. "Related database" means that there is at least one
common information element in the related databases that can be used to
relate such databases. One example of the related databases can be
Oracle® relational databases.

[0044]A computing device used herein refers to a desktop computer, a
laptop computer, a pocket PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a
handheld electronic processing device, a smart phone that combines the
functionality of a PDA and a mobile phone, an ipod, an iPod/MP Player, or
any other electronic devices that can process information automatically.
A computing device may have a wired or wireless connection to a database
or to another computing device. A computing device may be a client
computer that communicates with a host computer in a multi-computer
client-host system connected via a wired or wireless network including
intranet and internet. A computing device can also be configured to be
coupled with a data input or output device via wired or wireless
connections. For example, a laptop computer can be operatively configured
to receive color data and images through a wireless connection. A
computing device may further be a subunit of another device. Examples of
such a subunit can be a processing chip in an imaging device, a
spectrophotometer, or a goniospectrophotometer. A computing device may be
connected to a display device, such as a monitor screen. A "portable
computing device" includes a laptop computer, a pocket PC, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a handheld electronic processing device, a
mobile phone, a smart phone that combines the functionality of a PDA and
a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an iPod, an iPod/MP Player, or any
other stand alone or subunit devices that can process information and
data and can be carried by a person.

[0046]An imaging device refers to a device that can capture images under a
wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths including visible or invisible
wavelengths. Examples of the imaging device include, but not limited to,
a still film optical camera, a digital camera, an X-Ray camera, an
infrared camera, an analog video camera, and a digital video camera. A
digital imager or digital imaging device refers to an imaging device
captures images in digital signals. Examples of the digital imager
include, but not limited to, a digital still camera, a digital video
camera, a digital scanner, and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. An
imaging device can capture images in black and white, gray scale, or
various color levels. A digital imager is preferred in this invention.
Images captured using a non-digital imaging device, such as a still
photograph, can be converted into digital images using a digital scanner
and can also be suitable for this invention. The imaging device can
further comprise an illumination device that provides illumination at a
single or multiple angles.

[0047]A display device can be a computer monitor, a projector, a TV
screen, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a cell phone, a smart
phone that combines PDA and cell phone, an iPod, an iPod/MP Player, a
flexible thin display, or any other devices that can display information
or images based on digital signals. The display device can also be a
printing device that prints, based on digital signals, information or
image onto papers, plastics, textiles, or any other surfaces that are
suitable for printing the information or images onto. The display device
can also be a duel functional display/data input device, such as a touch
screen.

[0048]The term "repair formula" refers to a collection of information or
instruction, based upon that, a repair composition can be prepared. A
refinish coating formula is a typical example of the repair formula. A
repair formula can also be a formula to repair small damage of a vehicle
coating at some points of original manufacturing (OEM) production line
wherein a refinish formula has not yet been developed for that particular
vehicle. Other examples include, but not limited to, a formula and
optionally an instruction to mix and produce a particular engineer
polymer with desired color and appearance, or a formula and instruction
to mix and produce a composition of desired color and appearance to
repair kitchen counter top made from synthetic materials.

[0049]This invention is directed to a method for displaying one or more
images to select one or more matching formulas to match color and
appearance of an article, particularly a coating of a vehicle.
Representative process flow charts are shown in FIG. 1. It is understood
that those who skilled in the art may produce variations of the flow
charts, rearrange sequential orders of the steps or make other various
modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of this
invention.

[0050]In one embodiment, said method comprises the following steps:

[0051]In step (a), identification information of a vehicle is obtained
(101, FIG. 1), wherein said identification information comprises model
year, manufacturing site information, manufacturer's paint code, and
optionally manufacturing date for said vehicle. The identification
information can be obtained from vehicle identification number (VIN),
vehicle identification label, an optical vehicle data source, an
electromagnetic vehicle data source of said vehicle, or a combination
thereof. VINs are currently used by all vehicle manufacturers to record
relevant information about the vehicle that may be useful later to the
vehicle manufacturer, highway safety administrators, insurance
investigators, and law enforcement officers, such as make, model, model
year, site of manufacture, production sequence, etc. In most countries
today, VINs are required by law. For example, today the U.S. government
requires all cars and trucks made for U.S. sale to carry a 17-character
vehicle identification number, which is made up of a combination of 17
numbers and letters. Detailed descriptions of vehicle identification
number is provided in Federal Register, Rules and Regulations, Vol. 16,
No. 111, pages 29031-29036, published on Jun. 7, 1996. The VIN can be
presented as a string of alphanumeric characters or a barcode which can
be entered into a computer using a scanner or barcode reader. Some or all
of the identification information may be found on a vehicle
identification label affixed to the vehicle body in textual format which
can be entered into a computer manually or scanned using a scanner in
combination with well known optical character recognition (OCR) software.
Optical vehicle data source can be any of the data source mentioned above
such as the VIN, the barcode or the label that can be entered into a
computer using an optical data device such as a scanner or barcode
reader. Examples of the electromagnetic vehicle data source include, but
not limited to, on-board diagnostics (OBD) system available in most of
modern vehicles which tracks and stores vehicle information and operation
data in a computer retrievable form and can be transferred to a computer
via a data port known to those skilled in the art. The electromagnetic
vehicle data source can also be a passive data storage device such as a
memory chip, a disk, or a RFID (radio frequency identification) chip; or
an active radio transponder that can transmit vehicle identification data
via a broad range of radio frequency and the data can be received by a
corresponding receiver. An example of such active radio transponder and
receiver can be OBD-II, a new on-board diagnostics (OBD) system standard
introduced in the mid-'90s, which is known to those skilled in the art.

[0052]In step (b), one or more preliminary matching formulas from a
database are retrieved (104) that match the manufacturer's paint code,
the model year, the manufacturing site information, and optionally the
manufacturing date for said vehicle, wherein said database (105)
comprises refinish coating formulas interrelated to manufacturer's paint
codes, color and appearance characteristics, and alphanumeric characters
assigned to each of the refinish coating formulas that indicate the model
year and manufacturing site information, and optionally manufacturing
date for which the refinish coating formulas are applicable. The process
and algorithms for retrieving the preliminary matching formulas based on
the vehicle identification was described in detail in a co-pending
application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/536,137, filed on Mar.
28, 2000, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0053]In step (c), individual images are generated (106) based on the
color and appearance characteristics interrelated to each of the
preliminary matching formulas and stored in the database (105), herein
referred to as individual matching images. The color and appearance
characteristics can be obtained through measurements of a test coating
resulted from the corresponding formula or through mathematical
calculation and modeling. Typically, the color characteristics can
comprise L,a,b, or L*,a*,b*, or X,Y,Z values known to those skilled in
the art and can be obtained by using a calorimeter, a spectrophotometer,
or a goniospectrophotometer. Examples of appearance characteristics
include, but not limited to, texture, metallic, pearlescent effect,
gloss, distinctness of image, flake appearances such as texture, sparkle,
glint and glitter as well as the enhancement of depth perception in the
coatings imparted by the flakes, especially produced by metallic flakes,
such as aluminum flakes. In one example, flake appearance characteristics
can be obtained by measurements, calculations and modeling, or a
combination of measurements and calculations as described in a commonly
owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,265, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety. Color and appearance characteristics may contain one or
more illumination angels or view angles. Each coating formula stored in
the database can be interrelated to one or more sets of information, such
as vehicle identification information, color characteristics, or
appearance characteristics. The term "interrelated" refers to a database
structure that related information can be searched and retrieved. For
example, a coating formula and its color or appearance characteristics
can be retrieved based on related vehicle identification information. The
same formula and related vehicle identification information, on the other
hand, can also be retrieved based on color or appearance characteristics.
Color or appearance characteristics, or both color and appearance
characteristics can also be retrieved based on vehicle identification
information.

[0054]General methods for generating images of coating colors on a
computer monitor based on variables in coating formulas are known to
those skilled in the art, such as the method described in WO 2004/044850.
In brief, the images are generated by converting the L,a,b, or L*,a*,b*,
values of the color characteristics to XYZ values if needed and
calculating corresponding R, G, B values from the XYZ values. The R, G, B
values may further be modified or calibrated to fit various display
devices.

[0055]Matching images representing multiple viewing angles can be
generated (107, FIG. 1), herein referred to as realistic matching images.
Methods for generating realistic images of coating color and appearance
based on coating formulas and color and appearance characteristics are
described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/58847,
filed on Oct. 27, 2006, which is incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In brief, the images are generated by converting the L,a,b, or
L*,a*,b*, values at at least three angles to corresponding XYZ values,
calculating a range of aspecular angles required for display, and
calculating corresponding R, G, B values from the corresponding XYZ
values and the angles for display. The R, G, B values may further be
modified or calibrated to fit various display devices.

[0056]In step (d), the individual matching images (112) or realistic
matching images (117) can be displayed on a display device. Each of the
matching images can be displayed as an image representing a single
viewing angle (22, FIG. 2 A) or a realistic matching image representing
multiple viewing angles, such as a curved view (32) shown in FIG. 3 A.
Algorithms and methods for displaying matching images are described in
aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/58847, filed on Oct.
27, 2006, which is incorporated by reference.

[0057]Color and appearance of a coating can vary in relation to
illumination. A standard procedure was described in ASTM E-2194, herein
incorporated in by references. Briefly, when a coating (51) is
illuminated by an illumination source (52), such as a light bulb or sun
light, at a given angle as shown in FIG. 5, a number of viewing angles
can be used, such as, 1) near aspecular angles (54), that are the viewing
angles from about 15° to about 25° from the reflection (53)
of the illumination; 2) mid aspecular angles (55), that are the viewing
angles about 45° from the reflection (53) of the illumination; and
3) far aspecular angles (56), that are the viewing angles from about
75° to about 110° from the reflection (53) of the
illumination. In general, color appears to be slightly brighter at near
aspecular angles and slightly darker at far aspecular angles.

[0058]Images can be displayed at one or more aspecular angles, typically
at three to five different angles. In one example, each of the individual
matching images can be displayed at three pre-determined aspecular
angles: a near aspecular angle, such as 15°; a mid aspecular
angle, such as 45°; and a far aspecular angle, such as
110°. The images can also be displayed at other pre-determined
angles or combination of angles, such as a combination of 15°,
45° and 75°, or a combination of 25°, 45° and
75°.

[0060]Methods for displaying color and appearance of a coating at one or
more aspecular angles are described in aforementioned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/58847, which is incorporated by reference.

[0061]In step (e), one or more matching formulas are selected (118) from
the one or more preliminary matching formulas by comparing the individual
matching image with the target coating. With the individual matching
images displayed, either one at a time or a plurality of images displayed
simultaneously, on a display device, such as a handheld display device,
for example a PDA, a laptop or a tablet computer, a refinisher or those
skilled in the art can easily compare the matching images with the target
coating of the vehicle. Based on the comparison between the individual
matching images and the target coating of the vehicle, a selection of the
matching formula or a plurality of matching formulas (120) can be made
and recorded.

[0062]Once the matching formula is selected, the refinisher can prepare a
matching coating composition according to the matching formula and repair
the coating damage using the matching coating composition according to
methods and processes well known to those skilled in the art. This
invention provided a method for displaying coating images for selecting
one or more matching formulas for matching color and appearance of a
target coating of a vehicle. By displaying matching images of coatings, a
viewer can expect that the color and the appearance will be suitably
representative to that of an actual coating applied to a vehicle or part
thereof. This invention thus reduces the needs for repeated testing and
trial and increases accuracy of color and appearance match and
productivity.

[0063]In another embodiment, the method of this invention further
comprises the steps of: 1) obtaining color data of the target coating
(102, FIG. 1), 2) generating a target image (108, FIG. 1) based on the
color data and appearance characteristics stored in the database that are
interrelated to the model year and manufacturing site information, and
optionally the manufacturing date of the vehicle, and 3) displaying the
target image and the individual matching images (113, FIG. 1).

[0064]The color data can be obtained by measuring reflectance of a target
coating using a color measurement device, such as a calorimeter, a
spectrophotometer, or a goniospectrophotometer. Color data may include
spectral characteristics such as chroma, hue, lightness, darkness, and
the like. Any suitable calorimeter or spectrophotometer, such as Model
SP64 manufactured by X-Rite, Grandville, Mich. can be used. Portable
spectrophotometers are preferred as they can be readily positioned over
coated substrate surfaces of various shapes and sizes. If desired one can
measure the reflectance over several portions of the target coating to
average out the reflectance of the target coating. Spectral reflectance
data can be obtained using spectrophotometer. In a typical
spectrophotometer, a light beam of known intensity can be directed
towards the target coating and reflectance from the target coating is
sequentially measured at at least one, preferably at least three,
aspecular angles at preset wavelengths. Alternatively, a light beam of
known intensity can be sequentially directed at at least one, preferably
at least three, incident angles towards the target coating and
reflectance from the target coating is then measured at preset
wavelengths with a single detecting device so as to provide measurements
at different aspecular angles, depending on the angle of illumination. A
goniospectrophotometer is a spectrophotometer having the capability of
measuring with a variety of illuminating and viewing angles using
bidirectional geometry. A goniospectrophotometer is also known as
multi-angle spectrophotometer. Any suitable Goniospectrophotometers, such
as Model MA6811 from X-Rite, Grandville, Mich., or the ones provided by
Murakami Color Research Laboratory, Tokyo, Japan, or by IsoColor Inc.,
Carlstadt, N.J., USA, can be used. Gonioapparent colors should be
measured at multiple angles, preferably 3 to 5. For solid colors, a
single aspecular angle is sufficient, typically 45 degrees. A common
practice for solid colors is to illuminate at a single angle and measure
the diffuse reflectance using an integrating sphere, capturing the light
reflected at all angles from the target coating. The reverse method of
illuminating diffusely and measuring at a single angle yields equivalent
results. Diffuse reflectance is preferred when the target coating has a
textured surface.

[0065]Typically, measurements are taken at 10 nm wavelength intervals from
400 nm to 700 nm wavelengths. A plot of the percent reflectance as a
function of wavelength is referred to as a "spectral curve" or spectral
reflectance data. For a solid color (non-flake or non-gonioapparent
color, such as that lacking metallic flakes), one spectral curve is
typically sufficient to measure solid color properties. Other common
geometries of measurement are diffuse illumination with 0° or
8° viewing or the reverse. If a target coating having flakes,
i.e., gonioapparent color is being matched, reflectance measurements at
additional angles would be necessary. ASTM E-2194 recommends three
angles, 15°, 45°, and 110° as measured away from the
aspecular reflection (FIG. 5). DIN 6175-2 recommends up to five angles,
all within this same range of angles. The X-Rite MA6811 can provide
measurements at 15°, 25°, 45°, 75°, and
110°. The measurement data or spectral reflectance data can be
converted into L*,a*,b* or L,C,h values as described in detail in U.S.
Patent publication No. 2006/0181707, which is herein incorporated by
reference.

[0066]An image of the target coating, hereafter referred to as a target
image, can be generated based on the color data and appearance
characteristics stored in the aforementioned database (105) that
comprises interrelated refinish coating formulas, manufacturer's paint
codes, color and appearance characteristics, and alphanumeric characters
assigned to each of the refinish coating formulas that indicate the model
year and manufacturing site information, and optionally manufacturing
date for which the refinish coating formulas are applicable. The
appearance characteristics can be retrieved by using the vehicle
identification information or part thereof, such as the model year and
manufacturing site information, and optionally manufacturing date. The
appearance characteristics retrieved can provide information such as
flake size, type or ratio of different flakes if a mixture of different
flakes is present. The appearance characteristics and the color data can
be implemented into the algorithms described in aforementioned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/58847 to generate the target image. Both
the target image and the aforementioned individual matching images can be
displayed (113, FIG. 1) on the display device. The target image can also
be generated as a realistic target image representing multiple viewing
angles (109, FIG. 1) and then displayed (116, FIG. 1).

[0067]Each of the matching images can be displayed as an image
representing a single viewing angle (22, FIG. 2 A) or a realistic
matching image, such as a curved view 32 shown in FIG. 3 A. The target
image can also be displayed as an image representing a single viewing
angle (21, FIG. 2 A) or as a realistic target image representing multiple
viewing angles (31, FIG. 3 A).

[0068]The target image and each of the matching images can be displayed
close to each other such as shown in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 3 A, or displayed
immediately adjacent to each other so that the target image can have
common boarders with one or more matching images, such as shown in FIG. 2
B and FIG. 3 B. Images can also be displayed in other arrangements or
configurations. Some examples are shown in FIG. 6.

[0069]In yet another embodiment, the method of this invention further
comprises the steps of generating simulated individual blending images
(110, FIG. 1) based on the target image and each of the individual
matching images and displaying the blending images (114). Each of the
blending images can also be generated as a realistic blending image (111,
FIG. 1) representing multiple viewing angles and displayed (115, FIG. 1).
A simulated individual blending image can be generated by calculating the
R, G, B values required to render the two coatings to be blended, such as
that of the target coating and one of the matching formulas. In brief,
color values, such as XYZ values of the target coating and one of the
matching formulas are interpolated in a linear or non-linear function to
simulate various degrees of blend and different blending scenarios, and
the interpolated XYZ values are then rendered into R, G, B values to
generate and display the blending image. The blending images can be
displayed as a representation of a single viewing angle or as a
representation of realistic image reflecting multiple view angles such as
a curved view. Examples of blending images in curved view are shown in
FIG. 4. In FIG. 4 A, a target image (42) and a matching image (43) are
shown immediately adjacent to each other in a display area (40) on a
display device wherein the two images have a common boarder (44). In FIG.
4 B, the two images are blending together in a blending region (45). The
blending region can be specified. Typically, the blending region can be
about 10% to 90%, preferably 20% to 60%, further preferably 20% to 40% of
each of the two images to be blended. The blending image can further be
displayed at pre-determined aspecular angles selected from a near
aspecular angle, a mid aspecular angle, a far aspecular angle, or a
combination thereof.

[0070]In yet another embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned, the
method of this invention further comprises the steps of: 1) obtaining
appearance data of the target coating (103, FIG. 1), 2) generating a
target image based on the color data and the appearance data, 3)
displaying the target image and individual matching images.

[0071]Appearance data of the target coating can be generated using methods
described below. In one example, the appearance data can be obtained by
capturing one or more appearance images of the target coating, such as a
vehicle body or part thereof, using an imaging device and subsequent
measurement of the appearance images using a computing device. The
appearance images of the target coating can be still images or video
images. Both still images and video images are suitable for this
invention. In another example, appearance data are generated by an
appearance measurement device and stored as non-image electronic files.
Examples of such non-image electronic files include, but not limited to,
numerical, textual or alphanumerical data files correlating positions and
reflectance intensity at each of the positions. Image and non-image data
files can be converted to each other according to well known methods.
Methods described in aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,265 are suitable
for this invention. Other methods for obtaining appearance data of a
coating are also suitable for this invention, such as the ones described
in a commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/848,757, filed on
Oct. 2, 2006, which is incorporated by reference.

[0072]In yet another embodiment, in addition to the aforementioned, the
method of this invention further comprises the steps of generating
blending images of the target image and the individual matching images
and displaying the blending images on a display device, wherein the
target image is generated based on the color data and appearance data of
the target coating.

[0073]A number of arrangements can be made to display images on the
display device. The images can be displayed close to each other such as
shown in FIG. 2 A and FIG. 3 A, or displayed immediately adjacent to each
other so that one image, such as the target image, can have common
boarders with one or more other images, such as the matching images as
shown in FIG. 2 B and FIG. 3 B. Additional possible arrangements are
schematically shown in FIG. 6. For example, the target image (61) can be
displayed in a display area (60) of a display device adjacent, but not in
direct contact with one or more individual matching images (62, 63, and
64) (FIG. 6 A). It is understood that various modifications or
re-arrangement can be made to display the images without departing from
the scope and spirit of this invention. The target image can also be
arranged to have direct contact with one or more matching images such as
shown in FIG. 6 B in that the target image (61) has common boarders and
in direct contact with two matching images (62, and 63). The target image
may have direct contact with three or more matching image (FIG. 6 C) and
have blending region (68) between the target image and each of the
matching images (FIG. 6 D). Another example of the arrangement is shown
in FIGS. 6 E and F in that the target coating (61) is surrounded by more
than one individual matching images (62-66) and can have a blending
region (68). The target image (61) can also be surrounded by a single
matching image (62) and having a blending region (68) (FIGS. 6 G and H).

[0074]In yet another embodiment, the method of this invention comprises
the following steps wherein identification information of the article is
not required. A representative process flow chart is shown in FIG. 1C.

[0075]In step (a) of this embodiment, one or more preliminary matching
formulas are retrieved from a database that comprises interrelated repair
formulas, color characteristics, and optionally appearance
characteristics. The preliminary matching formulas can be retrieved
manually by those skilled in the art. For example, a skilled refinisher
can identify a number of blue color coating formulas with varying shades
that can potentially match a blue color of a classic vehicle wherein no
vehicle identification number is available for that vehicle. Preliminary
formulas for those blue colors can be retrieved by that skilled
refinisher by using descriptions such as a color name or a color code.

[0076]In step (b) of this embodiment, individual matching images are
generated based on the color characteristics, and optionally the
appearance characteristics, interrelated to each of the preliminary
matching formulas.

[0077]In step (c) of this embodiment, the individual matching images are
displayed on a display device. The matching images can be displayed as
realistic matching images. The realistic matching images can further be
displayed at one or more pre-determined aspecular angles.

[0078]In step (d) of this embodiment, the matching formulas are selected
from the preliminary matching formulas by comparing the individual
matching images and the color and appearance of the article.

[0079]In a variation of this embodiment, the method of this invention
further comprises the steps of obtaining color data, and optionally
appearance data of the article; generating a target image based on the
color data, and optionally the appearance data; and displaying the target
image on the display device. The individual matching images and the
target image can be displayed as realistic matching images and realistic
target image, respectively. The realistic images can further be displayed
at one or more pre-determined aspecular angles. Selection of the matching
formulas in this embodiment can be based on the comparison of the
individual matching images and the target image, or the comparison of the
realistic matching images and the realistic target image. The preliminary
matching formulas can be retrieved by using color data, appearance data,
or both the color and appearance data.

[0080]Although vehicle and vehicle coating are specifically described,
this invention can also be used for other coated articles or article
without coating wherein color or appearance of the articles can be
identified by article identification information, such as catalog numbers
or color codes. Some examples of such coated articles include, but not
limited to: home appliances, such as refrigerator, washing machine,
dishwasher, microwave ovens, cooking and baking ovens; electronic
appliances, such as television sets, computers, electronic game sets,
audio and video equipments; recreational equipments, such as bicycles,
ski equipments, all terrain vehicles; and home or office furniture, such
as tables, file cabinets. Examples of articles without coating that have
color and appearance include, but not limited to, engineering polymers,
injection molding plastics or polymers, or other synthetic materials such
as Corian® available from DuPont, wherein Corian® is a registered
trademark of DuPont. Selection of matching formulas for repairing the
coatings of the articles or articles without coating can be performed
according to the method of this invention.

[0081]This invention can also be used for articles wherein color or
appearance of the articles can be identified without article
identification information. Examples of articles without article
identification information include, but not limited to, a vehicle at some
points of OEM production line wherein a vehicle identification number has
not yet been assigned, a vehicle wherein a vehicle identification number
is not available, or a piece of kitchen counter top wherein
identification information is not available. The color data, the
appearance data, or both the color and the appearance data can be
obtained by measurements using any of the applicable aforementioned
methods. One or more repair formulas, such as preliminary matching
formulas can be retrieved manually by those skilled in the art. Repair
formulas can also be retrieved by using the color data, the appearance
data, or both the color and the appearance data. Each of the retrieved
repair formulas can be interrelated to color characteristics, appearance
characteristics, or both the color and appearance characteristics.
Matching images or realistic matching images can be generated based on
color characteristics, and optionally the appearance characteristics. The
matching images or realistic matching images can be displayed on a
display device and one or more matching formulas can be selected from the
preliminary matching formulas based on the comparison of the matching
images and the article. The realistic matching images can also be
displayed at one or more pre-determined aspecular angles. A target image
can be generated and displayed, or further displayed as a realistic
target image and the realistic target images can also be displayed at one
or more pre-determined aspecular angles.

[0082]Since color of an article may have been changed after its being
manufactured due to weathering or wear, the original manufacturing (OEM)
color standard may not match the article that is in need of repair. One
advantage of using the combination of measured color data and the stored
appearance characteristics is that color can be adjusted to match the
article in need of repair.

EXAMPLES

[0083]The present invention is further defined in the following Examples.
It should be understood that these Examples, while indicating preferred
embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From
the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can
ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without
departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and
modifications of the invention to adapt it to various uses and
conditions.

[0084]A GMC Cadillac vehicle had a coating damage needing repair. The
coating of the vehicle was metallic. The manufacturing year for the
vehicle was 2003 and paint code for the vehicle coating was 12. The
information mentioned above was entered into a computer. Vehicle
identification number (VIN) was read from the vehicle VIN label affixed
to the vehicle by using a barcode reader and entered into the computer
via a wireless connection. Color data of the vehicle coating was obtained
by using a goniospectrophotometer Model MA6811, manufactured by X-Rite,
Grandville, Mich. The color data were imported into the computer via a
wired connection. The color data can also be imported into the computer
via a wireless connection.

[0085]The vehicle identification number was parsed by a computer
implemented process to extract model year and manufacturing site
information which was used together with the paint code to retrieve
preliminary matching formulas from ColorNet database systems, available
from DuPont. Individual matching images were generated based the
preliminary matching formulas. Target Image of the vehicle coating was
generated based on the color data and appearance characteristics stored
in the database.

[0086]The target image and one of the individual matching images were
displayed on a computer screen. A typical screenshot is shown in FIG. 7.
The screenshot comprises the following areas: areas for displaying the
target image representing the coating of the vehicle (71), areas for
displaying the target image representing the coating of the vehicle (72),
areas for identifying how the images are displayed (70) and areas to
select which preliminary matching formula is to be displayed (73).

[0087]Images were displayed in different views as illustrated in FIG. 7:
(A) the target and one matching image were displayed in curved view, (B)
the target and one matching image were displayed at 15°, a near
aspecular angle, (C) the target and one matching image were displayed at
45°, a mid aspecular angle, (D) the target and one matching image
were displayed at 110°, a far aspecular angle.

[0088]The preliminary matching formula No. 1 had very close match in color
and flake appearance in a curved view and at the near aspecular angle.
The color was slightly darker than the vehicle coating at the far
aspecular angle. The color and appearance match was determined as
satisfactory by commonly accepted industry standard. The formula No. 1
was selected by clicking on the button (74) as the matching formula for
repairing the coating damage of the vehicle.